FA Charter Standard Club
Play your part and support The FA Respect Programme
1. Purpose of This Code
Bishops Castle Town Football Club is committed to creating a safe, positive and respectful environment for all participants.
Coaches, Team Managers and Club Officials play a vital role in:
- Setting standards of behaviour
- Acting as role models
- Supporting player development and enjoyment
This Code of Conduct outlines the standards expected both on and off the pitch.
All Coaches, Team Managers and Club Officials must agree to follow this Code as a condition of their involvement with the Club.
2. General Behaviour – On and Off the Field
All Coaches, Team Managers and Club Officials will:
- Always show respect to everyone involved in the game
- Respect the game, its laws, the competition and all participants
- Stick to the rules and uphold the spirit of football
- Encourage fair play and high standards of behaviour
- Always respect the match officials and encourage players to do the same
- Never enter the field of play without the referee’s permission
- Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, abusive or insulting behaviour
- Be aware of the impact of language and behaviour on others
- Be gracious in both victory and defeat
- Respect all facilities, whether home or away
3. Working with Players
When working with players, Coaches, Team Managers and Officials will:
- Place the wellbeing, safety and enjoyment of players above everything
- Never tolerate any form of bullying, discrimination or abuse
- Ensure all activities are appropriate to the player’s:
- Age
- Ability
- Maturity
- Experience
- Promote a positive, inclusive and supportive environment
- Listen to and respect players’ views
- Work collaboratively with others, including:
- Referees
- Medical staff
- Club Welfare Officer
- Parents/carers
in the best interests of each player
4. Safeguarding and Welfare
All Coaches, Team Managers and Club Officials must:
- Adhere to the Club’s Safeguarding Children Policy
- Promote a safe environment at all times
- Challenge and report poor practice or safeguarding concerns
- Understand their duty of care and position of trust
- Never engage in behaviour that could harm a child physically or emotionally
5. Respect and Behaviour Standards
This Code supports The FA Respect Programme and reflects the Club’s values:
- Enjoy the game
- Give respect
- Be inclusive
- Play safe
- Work together
All individuals are expected to lead by example and promote these standards consistently.
6. Conduct Towards Match Officials
- Decisions made by match officials must always be accepted
- Coaches and staff must not:
- Argue or show dissent
- Use abusive language
- Undermine the referee’s authority
- Captains and officials must be supported in maintaining discipline and respect
7. Use of Language and Behaviour
Coaches and officials must:
- Avoid foul, abusive or discriminatory language
- Be mindful of how behaviour is perceived by:
- Players
- Parents/carers
- Spectators
- Maintain a professional and respectful approach at all times
8. Breaches of This Code
Failure to follow this Code of Conduct may result in action being taken by:
The Club:
- Formal warning
- Removal from matches or training sessions
- Suspension from club activities
- Requirement to attend meetings with the Club Welfare Officer or Committee
- Removal from position within the club
The County FA:
- Suspension
- Fines or disciplinary action
- Coach education requirements or endorsement withdrawal
9. Acknowledgement
All Coaches, Team Managers and Club Officials understand that:
If they do not follow this Code, they may be:
- Required to meet with the Club or League Welfare Officer or County FA Designated Safeguarding Officer
- Suspended by the Club from attending matches or training
- Subject to disciplinary action by the County FA
- Required to leave their role and/or have coaching licences withdrawn
10. Our Commitment
Bishops Castle Town Football Club is committed to:
- Promoting respect, fairness and inclusion
- Providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all
- Supporting positive behaviour across all levels of the Club